Patient Education: Retinal Conditions, Tests & Treatments
Understanding your eye condition can make a world of difference in how you manage your care and treatment. At Virginia Retina Center, we are committed to educating our patients about the retina, macula, and vitreous—the complex structures responsible for healthy vision.
Browse the topics below to learn more about common retinal conditions, the tests we perform, and the treatments we offer.
Retinal Conditions & Diseases
These conditions affect the retina, macula, or vitreous, the parts of your eye responsible for clear, detailed vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving your sight.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A common condition where the central part of the retina (macula) slowly breaks down with age, affecting sharp vision. It can be dry or wet, and treatments are available to slow progression.
Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy (BR)
A rare inflammatory eye condition that affects both eyes and can cause blurred vision, floaters, and night vision problems. It requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to control inflammation.
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)
Occurs when a small artery in the retina is blocked by a clot, causing sudden vision loss in part of the eye. It’s considered a medical emergency.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
A blockage in one of the small veins of the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Often linked to high blood pressure or diabetes.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
A serious blockage of the retina’s main artery that causes sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. It requires urgent medical attention.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
A blockage in the main vein of the retina that can lead to swelling and sudden vision changes. Treatment helps reduce damage and preserve vision.
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)
Caused by fluid buildup under the retina, often triggered by stress or steroid use. It usually clears up on its own, but may need treatment if persistent.
Coats’ Disease
A rare condition, mostly in young boys, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. It can lead to vision loss if not treated early.
Cotton-Wool Spots
Small white patches on the retina caused by reduced blood flow. They don’t usually affect vision but can signal underlying health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (CMV Retinitis)
A serious eye infection in people with weakened immune systems. It can cause blindness if untreated, but antiviral medications can help control it.
Detached and Torn Retina
A retinal tear or detachment happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, often causing flashes, floaters, or vision loss. It’s an emergency that needs prompt treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR & PDR)
Damage to the retina from diabetes.
- Nonproliferative (NPDR): Early stage with leaking blood vessels.
- Proliferative (PDR): Advanced stage with abnormal blood vessel growth.
Both require monitoring and, in some cases, treatment to prevent vision loss.
Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)
Scar tissue that forms on the surface of the retina and can cause blurred or distorted vision. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Floaters and Flashes
Floaters look like small specks or threads drifting across your vision, and flashes are brief bursts of light. A sudden increase may indicate a retinal tear.
Lattice Degeneration
Thinning of the retina in a lattice-like pattern. It may increase your risk of a retinal tear or detachment and is often found during eye exams.
Macular Dystrophy
A group of inherited eye conditions that affect central vision, often starting in childhood or early adulthood. It tends to progress slowly over time.
Macular Edema
Swelling in the center of the retina (macula) due to fluid buildup. It can cause blurry or wavy vision and is often related to diabetes or retinal vein occlusions.
Macular Hole
A small break in the macula that can blur or distort central vision. Vitrectomy surgery is often used to repair it.
Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)
A condition caused by a past fungal infection, leading to scarring and potential vision loss. It’s more common in certain parts of the U.S. and may mimic other eye diseases.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
An inherited condition that causes gradual loss of peripheral and night vision. It progresses over time and may eventually affect central vision.
Retinoblastoma
A rare eye cancer is usually found in young children. With early diagnosis and treatment, it is often curable, and vision may be preserved.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
A condition that affects premature infants, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. It requires early screening and possible treatment to protect vision.
Retinoschisis
This is when layers of the retina split apart, which can affect vision depending on the size and location. It may be inherited or develop with age.
Stargardt’s Disease
A genetic condition that causes progressive loss of central vision, often starting in childhood or adolescence. There is no cure, but supportive care can help.
Toxoplasmosis
An infection caused by a parasite that can affect the retina, leading to inflammation, scarring, or vision loss. It is usually treated with medication.
Diagnostic Tests and Imaging
These tests allow our specialists to examine the inner structures of your eye, monitor disease progression, and guide your treatment.
Fluorescein Angiogram (FA) & Retinal Photography
A combined test that uses a special dye and camera to take detailed images of your retina. It helps detect leaking or blocked blood vessels, commonly used in conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy.
Fluorescein Angiography
This test involves injecting a yellow dye into a vein in your arm to highlight blood vessels in the retina. It helps detect abnormal leakage, swelling, or blockages.
Fundus Photography
A non-invasive photo of the retina, used to document the condition of the back of your eye. It helps track changes over time and is useful in routine and diagnostic care.
Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
An imaging test using a different dye (ICG) to examine deeper layers of the eye, particularly useful for diagnosing hidden or more complex retinal or choroidal conditions.
Ocular Ultrasound (B-Scan Echography)
This ultrasound test uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the eye. It’s often used when the retina can’t be seen directly due to bleeding, cataracts, or trauma.
Pupil Dilation
Drops are used to widen (dilate) your pupils so your doctor can view the back of your eye more clearly. You may experience light sensitivity and blurry vision for a few hours afterward.
Slit Lamp Tonometry and Examination
A slit lamp is a special microscope with a light that allows the doctor to examine the front and back of your eye in detail. During this exam, eye pressure (tonometry) may also be measured.
Tonometry
A test to measure the pressure inside your eye. It’s a quick and gentle way to help detect glaucoma and other pressure-related issues.
Treatments, Procedures & Preventive Topics
These treatments and preventive approaches are used to manage retinal conditions, reduce vision loss, and support your long-term eye health.
ARMD Preventative Factors
While age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) can’t be cured, there are ways to reduce your risk. Quitting smoking, eating leafy greens, managing blood pressure, and protecting your eyes from UV light all play a role.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses freezing temperatures to treat retinal tears or tumors. It seals tissue, stopping abnormal blood vessels or preventing retinal detachment. It’s often done in-office with minimal discomfort.
Intravitreal Injections
This treatment delivers medication directly into the eye to manage conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal swelling. It’s done in-office using numbing drops and typically takes only a few minutes.
Laser Photocoagulation
A laser is used to seal off leaking blood vessels or stop bleeding in the retina. It’s often used for diabetic retinopathy or to prevent retinal tears from worsening.
Macular Degeneration and Nutritional Supplements
Some patients with macular degeneration may benefit from vitamins based on the AREDS formula. These supplements can help slow disease progression, especially in moderate stages.
Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
NPDR is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. In this phase, small blood vessels in the retina weaken and begin to leak, often without noticeable symptoms. Careful monitoring, blood sugar control, and early treatment can help prevent progression to more serious stages.
Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-step treatment for certain types of wet macular degeneration. First, a special medication is injected into your bloodstream. Then, a painless, cold laser is used to activate the drug inside the eye, targeting and closing off abnormal blood vessels. It’s done in-office and can help slow or stabilize vision loss.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
This is a minimally invasive procedure for certain retinal detachments. A small gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back into place, followed by laser or freezing to seal it.
Vitrectomy Surgery
Vitrectomy involves removing the eye’s gel-like center (vitreous) to treat problems like bleeding, retinal detachment, or macular holes. It’s a common outpatient surgery done under anesthesia.
Ready to Make An Appointment?
Your eyesight matters, and we make it easy to get the care you need.
Schedule your appointment today.